Growing African Marigolds

African Marigolds are one of the easiest
flowers to grow, and are easy to start from seeds. They
give gardens a nice, bright, cheerful touch.

Sowing Marigold Seeds, and Soil

African Marigolds require nutrient rich, well-drained
soil to grow properly. You can start growing African
Marigolds inside or outside. If you choose
to start them indoors, plant them 6 to 8 week's before
the last frost date. If you start them outdoors, make
sure the last frost has taken place, and sow the seeds
right into the ground, leaving about 1/4 inch of soil
above the seed. If you planted seedlings, pinch off
any blooms so the plants energy will be focused on root
development.

Growing, Fertilizer and Pruning

As they start to grow, thin them out by gently pulling
out extra seedlings. You want your African Marigolds to grow about 12 inches apart. Add mulch over the soil
around your African Marigolds to keep in moisture. Mulch
also helps prevent weeds from growing in your garden.
African Marigolds are hardy plants, and should grow
with regular watering. If desired, you can use fertilizer
on your African Marigolds every four
to six weeks. When blooms are finished, pinch them off.
This will direct energy to new blooms, and prolong flowering.